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European Spine Journal : Official... Mar 2007Clinical provocative tests of the neck, which position the neck and arm inorder to aggravate or relieve arm symptoms, are commonly used in clinical practice in patients... (Review)
Review
Clinical provocative tests of the neck, which position the neck and arm inorder to aggravate or relieve arm symptoms, are commonly used in clinical practice in patients with a suspected cervical radiculopathy. Their diagnostic accuracy, however, has never been examined in a systematic review. A comprehensive search was conducted in order to identify all possible studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria. A study was included if: (1) any provocative test of the neck for diagnosing cervical radiculopathy was identified; (2) any reference standard was used; (3) sensitivity and specificity were reported or could be (re-)calculated; and, (4) the publication was a full report. Two reviewers independently selected studies, and assessed methodological quality. Only six studies met the inclusion criteria, which evaluated five provocative tests. In general, Spurling's test demonstrated low to moderate sensitivity and high specificity, as did traction/neck distraction, and Valsalva's maneuver. The upper limb tension test (ULTT) demonstrated high sensitivity and low specificity, while the shoulder abduction test demonstrated low to moderate sensitivity and moderate to high specificity. Common methodological flaws included lack of an optimal reference standard, disease progression bias, spectrum bias, and review bias. Limitations include few primary studies, substantial heterogeneity, and numerous methodological flaws among the studies; therefore, a meta-analysis was not conducted. This review suggests that, when consistent with the history and other physical findings, a positive Spurling's, traction/neck distraction, and Valsalva's might be indicative of a cervical radiculopathy, while a negative ULTT might be used to rule it out. However, the lack of evidence precludes any firm conclusions regarding their diagnostic value, especially when used in primary care. More high quality studies are necessary in order to resolve this issue.
Topics: Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Humans; Prognosis; Radiculopathy; Reference Standards; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 17013656
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-006-0225-6 -
Seizure Feb 2016Video electroencephalography (vEEG) is the gold-standard method for diagnosing psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), but such assessment is expensive, unavailable in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Video electroencephalography (vEEG) is the gold-standard method for diagnosing psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), but such assessment is expensive, unavailable in many centers, requires prolonged hospitalization, and many times is unable to capture an actual seizure episode. This paper systematically reviews other non-vEEG candidate biomarkers that may facilitate both diagnosis and study of PNES as differentiated from epileptic seizures (ES).
METHODS
PubMed database was searched to identify articles between 1980 and 2015 (inclusion: adult PNES population with or without controls, English language; exclusion: review articles, meta-analyses, single case reports).
RESULTS
A total of 49 studies were examined, including neuroimaging, autonomic nervous system, prolactin, other (non-prolactin) hormonal, enzyme, and miscellaneous marker studies. Functional MRI studies have shown PNES is hyperlinked with dissociation and emotional dysregulation centers in the brain, although conflicting findings are seen across studies and none used psychiatric comparators. Heart rate variability suggests increased vagal tone in PNES when compared to ES. Prolactin is elevated in ES but not PNES, although shows low diagnostic sensitivity. Postictal cortisol and creatine kinase are nonspecific. Other miscellaneous biomarkers (neuron specific enolase, brain derived neurotropic factor, ghrelin, leptin, leukocytosis) showed no conclusive evidence of utility. Many studies are limited by lack of psychiatric comparators, size, and other methodological issues.
CONCLUSION
No single biomarker successfully differentiates PNES from ES; in fact, PNES is only diagnosed via the negation of ES. Clinical assessment and rigorous investigation of psychosocial variables specific to PNES remain critical, and subtyping of PNES is warranted. Future investigational and clinical imperatives are discussed.
Topics: Biomarkers; Conversion Disorder; Electroencephalography; Humans; Psychophysiologic Disorders; Seizures; Video Recording
PubMed: 26774202
DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2015.12.011 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Mar 2024Depression and anxiety are significant contributors to maternal perinatal morbidity and a range of negative child outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Depression and anxiety are significant contributors to maternal perinatal morbidity and a range of negative child outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to review and assess the diagnostic test accuracy of selected screening tools (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS], EPDS-3A, Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]-, PHQ-2, Matthey Generic Mood Question [MGMQ], Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-7], GAD-2, and the Whooley questions) used to identify women with antenatal depression or anxiety in Western countries.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
On January 16, 2023, we searched 10 databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, CRD Database, Embase, Epistemonikos, International HTA Database, KSR Evidence, Ovid MEDLINE, PROSPERO and PsycINFO); the references of included studies were also screened. We included studies of any design that compared case-identification with a relevant screening tool to the outcome of a diagnostic interview based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth or fifth edition (DSM-IV or DSM-5), or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision (ICD-10). Diagnoses of interest were major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. Two authors independently screened abstracts and full-texts for relevance and evaluated the risk of bias using QUADAS-2. Data extraction was performed by one person and checked by another team member for accuracy. For synthesis, a bivariate model was used. The certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42021236333.
RESULTS
We screened 8276 records for eligibility and included 16 original articles reporting on diagnostic test accuracy: 12 for the EPDS, one article each for the GAD-2, MGMQ, PHQ-9, PHQ-2, and Whooley questions, and no articles for the EPDS-3A or GAD-7. Most of the studies had moderate to high risk of bias. Ten of the EPDS articles provided data for synthesis at cutoffs ≥10 to ≥14 for diagnosing major depressive disorder. Cutoff ≥10 gave the optimal combined sensitivity (0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75-0.90) and specificity (0.87, 95% CI: 0.79-0.92).
CONCLUSIONS
Findings from the meta-analysis suggest that the EPDS alone is not perfectly suitable for detection of major depressive disorder during pregnancy. Few studies have evaluated the other instruments, therefore, their usefulness for identification of women with depression and anxiety during pregnancy remains very uncertain. At present, case-identification with any tool may best serve as a complement to a broader dialogue between healthcare professionals and their patients.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Depressive Disorder, Major; Depression; Mass Screening; Anxiety Disorders; Anxiety; Depression, Postpartum
PubMed: 38014572
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14734 -
Academic Emergency Medicine : Official... Aug 2023Distinguishing peritonsillar abscess (PTA) from peritonsillar cellulitis using clinical assessment is challenging as many features overlap for both conditions, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Distinguishing peritonsillar abscess (PTA) from peritonsillar cellulitis using clinical assessment is challenging as many features overlap for both conditions, and physical examination is only about 75% sensitive and 50% specific for diagnosing PTA. The primary objective of this systematic review was to determine the test characteristics of ultrasound for diagnosing PTA when compared to a reference standard of computed tomography or acquisition of pus via needle aspiration or incision and drainage.
METHODS
This systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy (PRISMA-DTA) guidelines. We searched seven databases from 1960 to November 2022. Two independent reviewers completed study selection, data extraction, and QUADAS-2 risk-of-bias assessment. We used a bivariate random-effects model to calculate pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-). We also conducted subgroup analyses on radiology ultrasound compared to point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and intraoral compared to transcervical scanning techniques.
RESULTS
From 339 citations, we identified 18 studies for inclusion. Because one study only reported positive cases of PTA (thereby preventing the calculation of specificity), it was excluded from the analysis, so the analysis included a total of 17 studies with 812 patients, of whom 541 had PTA. Pooled bivariate sensitivity was 86% (95% confidence interval [CI] 78%-91%), specificity 76% (95% CI 67%-82%), LR+ 3.51 (95% CI 2.59-4.89), and LR- 0.19 (95% CI 0.12-0.30). On subgroup analysis, radiology-performed ultrasound had a sensitivity and specificity of 89% and 71%, compared to POCUS, which had a sensitivity and specificity of 74% and 79%. Comparing the two different techniques, intraoral had a sensitivity and specificity of 91% and 75% while transcervical had a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 81%.
CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound demonstrates high sensitivity for ruling out PTA, but it only has moderate specificity for ruling in the diagnosis.
Topics: Humans; Peritonsillar Abscess; Ultrasonography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Sensitivity and Specificity; Physical Examination
PubMed: 36625850
DOI: 10.1111/acem.14660 -
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Mar 2022In recent years Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are rapidly evolving into clinical practices such as diagnosis and prognosis processes, assess treatment... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In recent years Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are rapidly evolving into clinical practices such as diagnosis and prognosis processes, assess treatment effectiveness, and monitoring of diseases. The previous studies showed interesting results regarding the diagnostic efficiency of AI methods in differentiating Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from healthy controls or other demyelinating diseases. There is a great lack of a comprehensive systematic review study on the role of AI in the diagnosis of MS. We aimed to perform a systematic review to document the performance of AI in MS diagnosis.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed using four databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE on August 2021. All original studies which focused on deep learning or AI to analyze any modalities with the purpose of diagnosing MS were included in our study.
RESULTS
Finally, 38 studies were included in our systematic review after the abstract and full-text screening. A total of 5433 individuals were included, including 2924 cases of MS and 2509 healthy controls. Sensitivity and specificity were reported in 29 studies which ranged from 76.92 to 100 for sensitivity and 74 to 100 for specificity. Furthermore, 34 studies reported accuracy ranged 81 to 100. Among included studies, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (20 studies), OCT (six studies), serum and cerebrospinal fluid markers (six studies), movement function (three studies), and other modalities such as breathing and evoked potential was used for detecting MS via AI.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, diagnosis of MS based on new markers and AI is a growing field of research with MRI images, followed by images obtained from OCT, serum and CSF biomarkers, and motor associated markers. All of these results show that with advances made in AI, the way we monitor and diagnose our MS patients can change drastically.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Multiple Sclerosis
PubMed: 35180619
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103673 -
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports... Jan 2024We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of clinical tests that are used to diagnose greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) in clinical practice. Diagnostic test accuracy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of clinical tests that are used to diagnose greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) in clinical practice. Diagnostic test accuracy systematic review with meta-analysis. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, and SPORTDiscus were searched using key words mapped to diagnostic test accuracy for GTPS. Studies with published or derivable diagnostic accuracy data were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool, and certainty of evidence, via the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) framework. MetaDTA "R" random-effects models were used to summarize individual and pooled data including sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and pretest/posttest probabilities. From a database yield of 858 studies, 23 full texts were assessed. We included 6 studies for review, involving 15 tests and 272 participants (314 hips). Overall certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. Meta-analysis of 6 tests revealed sequenced test clusters able to significantly shift pretest-posttest probability for or against a GTPS diagnosis. In people reporting lateral hip pain, a negative gluteal tendon (GT) palpation test followed by a negative resisted hip abduction test significantly reduced the posttest probability of GTPS from 59% to 14%. In those with a positive GT palpation test followed by a positive resisted hip abduction test, the posttest probability of GTPS significantly shifted from 59% to 96%. The value of magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing GTPS is debated. We have identified a straightforward, clinically useful diagnostic test cluster to help confirm or refute the presence of GTPS in people reporting lateral hip pain. .
Topics: Humans; Hip; Hip Joint; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Arthralgia; Pain; Bursitis
PubMed: 37561820
DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2023.11890 -
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck... Nov 2023Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are often diagnosed at advanced clinical stages during their symptomatic phase, leading to a reduced treatment window and poor survival....
IMPORTANCE
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are often diagnosed at advanced clinical stages during their symptomatic phase, leading to a reduced treatment window and poor survival. Screening programs have been suggested as a mitigation strategy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness of current HNC screening programs in improving diagnosis and survival in adults.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
This Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses-guided systematic review involved use of peer-reviewed, English-language journal articles identified from MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials between January 1, 2001, and July 15, 2022. Snowballing was applied to retrieve more studies. Eligible articles were original clinical trials and observational studies presenting a universal or risk-targeted screening program of primary HNC in the adult population. Reporting quality was assessed using the JBI's critical appraisal tools.
FINDINGS
Database searches yielded 3646 unique citations with an additional 8 studies found via snowballing. Five reviewers assessed the full text of 106 studies. Sixteen articles were ultimately included in the review, involving 4.7 million adults (34.1%-100% male; median age, 30-59 years). Fifteen studies were based in Asia and 1 in Europe (Portugal). Five reported data from randomized clinical trials. An oral inspection conducted once or once every 2 to 3 years was described in 11 studies for screening oral cancer, while multistep screening involving Epstein-Barr virus serologic testing for nasopharyngeal carcinoma delivered every 1 to 4 years was presented in 5. In 4 trials and 6 observational studies, screening significantly increased the detection of localized (stage I/II) tumor or was associated with an increased proportion of diagnoses, respectively, regardless of the population and cancer subsites. Universal screening of asymptomatic adults improved 3- to 5-year overall survival but did not increase cancer-specific survival in 4 trials. Targeted screening improved overall and cancer-specific survival or was associated with improved survival outcomes in 2 trials and 2 observational studies, respectively. Studies had low to medium risks of bias.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Evidence from the existing literature suggests that a risk-targeted screening program for oral and nasopharyngeal cancers could improve diagnosis and patient survival. Screening adherence, societal cost-effectiveness, and optimal risk stratification of such a program warrant future research, especially in low-incidence settings outside Asia.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Early Detection of Cancer; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Mouth Neoplasms
PubMed: 37796524
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2023.3010 -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Aug 2012Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is a benign pathological syndrome. The clinical manifestations may be a consequence of an anatomical stenosis or sphincter... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is a benign pathological syndrome. The clinical manifestations may be a consequence of an anatomical stenosis or sphincter dysmotility. Manometry is invasive and has an associated morbidity. Non-invasive investigations have been evaluated to ameliorate risk but have unknown efficacy. The review aims to critically appraise current evidence for the diagnosis and management of SOD.
METHODS
A systematic review of articles containing relevant search terms was performed.
RESULTS
Manometry is the current gold standard in selecting which patients are likely to benefit from endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES). It can, however, be misleading. Several non-invasive investigations were identified. These have poor sensitivities and specificities compared to manometry. There is a paucity of data examining the investigation's specific ability to select patients for ES. Outcomes of ES for Type I SOD are favourable irrespective of manometry. Types II and III SOD may respond to an initial trial of medical therapy. Manometry may predict response to ES in Type II SOD, but not in Type III.
CONCLUSIONS
Non-invasive investigations currently lack sufficient sensitivities and specificities for routine use in diagnosing SOD. Type I SOD should be treated with ES without manometry. Manometry may be useful for Type II SOD. However, whilst data is lacking a therapeutic trial of Botox(TM) or trial stenting may bean alternative. Careful and thorough patient counselling is essential. Type III SOD is associated with high complications from manometry and poor outcomes from ES. Alternative diagnoses should be thoroughly sought and its management should be medical.
Topics: Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; Diagnostic Imaging; Endosonography; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Manometry; Prospective Studies; Radionuclide Imaging; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index; Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction; Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 22688754
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-012-0971-3 -
Ageing Research Reviews Jan 2024Biomarkers are emerging as a potential tool for screening or diagnosing sarcopenia. We aimed to summarize the current evidence on the diagnostic test accuracy of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Biomarkers are emerging as a potential tool for screening or diagnosing sarcopenia. We aimed to summarize the current evidence on the diagnostic test accuracy of biomarkers for sarcopenia. We comprehensively searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to January 2023 and only included diagnostic test accuracy studies. We identified 32 studies with 23,840 participants (women, 58.26%) that assessed a total of 30 biomarkers. The serum creatinine to cystatin C ratio (Cr/CysC) demonstrated a pooled sensitivity ranging from 51% (95% confidence interval [CI] 44-59%) to 86% (95% CI 70-95%) and a pooled specificity ranged from 55% (95% CI 38-70%) to 76% (95% CI 63-86%) for diagnosing sarcopenia defined by five different diagnostic criteria (11 studies, 7240 participants). The aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio demonstrated a pooled sensitivity of 62% (95% CI 56-67%) and a pooled specificity of 66% (95% CI 60-72%) (3 studies, 11,146 participants). The other 28 blood biomarkers exhibited low-to-moderate diagnostic accuracy for sarcopenia regardless of the reference standards. In conclusion, none of these biomarkers are optimal for screening or diagnosing sarcopenia. Well-designed studies are needed to explore and validate novel biomarkers for sarcopenia.
Topics: Humans; Female; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sarcopenia; Biomarkers; Diagnostic Tests, Routine
PubMed: 38036104
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102148 -
Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine :... Sep 2020Accurate diagnosis of splenic diseases is important for timely and accurate treatment. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of contrast-enhanced... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Accurate diagnosis of splenic diseases is important for timely and accurate treatment. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and conventional ultrasound (US) in detecting splenic lesions. A systematic literature search was undertaken, and 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. The sensitivity and specificity of the consolidated results of CEUS were 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-0.97) and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.90-0.99), respectively (I = 27.4%; area under the curve [AUC] from a summary receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.97). The sensitivity and specificity of the consolidated results of conventional US were 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56-0.80) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.76-0.99; I = 83.4%; AUC = 0.84). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of CEUS were higher than those of conventional US in diagnosing splenic lesions. Contrast-enhanced US is a promising method for accurately diagnosing splenic lesions.
Topics: Contrast Media; Humans; Image Enhancement; Sensitivity and Specificity; Splenic Diseases; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 32323353
DOI: 10.1002/jum.15291